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Rega RP8 or Technics SL1200G

I'm a bit reluctant to post this "either or question" because I know that everything in this hobby is subjective, but here goes.

I currently have a Rega RP3-24 with an Exact 2 and I want to upgrade to my final turntable. I have read all the reviews that are available on both tables and both received stellar reviews, although Fremer stated that his RP8 sample table ran a little fast. I like the simplicity of the RP8 ($3000), however, I also like the adjustability of the SL1200G ($4000) which eases the task of trying different cartridges, although I don't plan on swapping out cartridges very often. On the other hand, I am not adverse to using spacers to adjust VTA on the Rega so I can try  non Rega cartridges. 

So it really comes down to which table sounds better, which is built better, etc. I would like to hear from anyone who owns or has heard either of these tables. I won't have the opportunity to audition either one.

I listen to rock, jazz and some classical.

The rest of my system is:
Cayin A-88T MKII Integrated with Gold Lion KT88's or Svetlana Winged C EL34  
PS Audio GCPH w/Underwood Mod (planning to upgrade to Parasound JC3+)
Harbeth SHL5 Plus 40th Anniversary
Rega Apollo-R
Accuphase T101
Cables: Morrow PH4 to phone preamp 

Thanks in advance.
Eric

       
ericsch
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I question the part about Rega tables being gimmicky. They have had a point of view that goes back a very long time and have been refining that point of view.

Part of it is that they continue to strive to make the plinths of their turntables as light and rigid as possible. The laminated, foam core, plinth on the 8 and 10 are just a further refinement of that philosophy. They could’ve probably sold it without the outer surround, but then the traditional Rega dust cover would not have fit.

The arm is particularly lacking in gimmickry as well, dating to the 1980s.

Rega is a company that is simply refining their core concepts.

Contrast that with VPI, who started with Perspex platters, then composite platters, metal platters and on to unipivot arms, captured bearing arms...no anti-skating...anti-skating....motors inboard....motors outboard...belt drive, idler drive, direct drive....maybe solar powered next.

Whatever is on the parts shelf seems to morph into a new model. Where is the point of view in that?


ericsch OP
180 posts
 
@avanti1960 " consider the VPI prime."

Sorry, not a fan of the unipivot arm.

@viridian
Thanks for your comments, very helpful.
lohanimal
278 posts
 
You have appeared to narrow this down to 2 very different turntables. I appreciate that you like the plug and play approach so to speak, but they are different, and do sound different.
As opposed to looking at the technical spec so to speak - have a listen and let that dictate to you. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
I found the sound of the Technics rather clanky which doesn’t work for me. Is it the arm? I’m no material scientist, couldn’t tell you. Maybe the G is better in this regard.
@viridian The SL-1200G is a ground-up new design, and should only be compared to older SL-1200s by looks only. In terms of sound it is considerably more neutral- it has better vibration damping, tighter speed regulation and improved materials in the tone arm.

Put another way, I'm not certain I'd recommend the older SL-1200s over a Rega, but with the new one its a no-brainer.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Which is why I said...”So that may invalidate my comments from the get go.”

I noticed that you said “...over a Rega,...” above, but the question is not about a Rega, as if all Rega decks sound the same. This is the same fallacy as my comparing the 1200/2 to the 1200G based on your comments.

The OPs question concerned the RP8. What do do you think of the Rega RP8? That may help the OP out.
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